Parliament Demands Extra Shs125bn for Travel, Per Diem

Parliament has demanded over Shs125 billion for the payment of salaries, travel costs and per diem for the speaker, deputy speaker, leader of opposition and MPs in order to enable them attend local and international events.

The details were contained in the report for the 2024/25 policy statement for Parliamentary Commission that indicated that Ministry of Finance had lived true to its threats to cut Parliament’s budget, reducing by Shs78.698Bn, a decision that has been rejected with calls to have the Ministry of Finance to restore Parliament’s budget to the current operating level “in order not to stifle the institution’s operations. “

“This shortfall arose from increasing invitations locally and internationally requiring official engagements and participation of these offices. The budget shortfall for these offices amounts to Shs 37.685 billion. The Committee recommends that additional Shs 37.685 billion be provided on the commission non-wage recurrent budget to cater for the operational shortfall,” reads the report by the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee.

Parliament pegged its demand on Article 79 of the Constitution that gives powers to Parliament to carry oversight, legislation and representation functions to demand for extra Shs82.272Bn meant to fulfil the mandate.

“This if not addressed, will impede timely and responsive oversight, legislation and representation function. The Committee therefore recommends an additional amount of Shs82.272Bn to cater for the recurrent shortfall,” read in part the report from Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.

The demand comes amid traders’ planned strikes over EFRIS and increasing tax burden, and public concerns about Parliament’s misuse of public funds.